"Compassionate Care" is a podcast series tailored for students pursuing careers in pediatric medicine and families that are on a journey with a medically complex child. This series offers a unique perspective by centering on the experiences and stories of parents with medically complex children. Aspiring doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, social workers and other healthcare professionals will gain valuable insights into the challenges, triumphs and lessons of these families.

This podcast aims to foster empathy, understanding and a holistic approach to pediatric care by highlighting the vital role caregivers play in a child's medical journey. This is not only a podcast series, but an opportunity for future pediatric healthcare professionals to gain a deeper understanding of the emotional aspects of their patients' lives. By listening to the voices of parents, students can better prepare to provide comprehensive care that considers both medical needs and emotional well-being.

Sponsored by the West Virginia Department of Human Services, Office of Maternal, Child, and Family Health/Children with Special Health Care Needs Program and the West Virginia Family 2 Family Health Information Center and Produced by the West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities

Music: Daylight by JayJen

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  Episode 1: The Caregiver’s Journey

  Guest: Patrice Guzman - parent to a child with complex medical needs

  In this introductory episode, we explore the realities of parenting a child with complex medical needs. Parents share their personal stories, shedding light on the advocacy and resiliency required to navigate the emotional rollercoaster that is the healthcare system.

  Transcript: Episode 1
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  Episode 2: Collaborative Care Teams

  Guests: Nicole Sergent - pediatric physical therapist, WVU School of Physical Therapy
  Tabi Jones-Wohleber - speech-language pathologist, WV Birth to Three
  Leslie Bowman - pediatric occupational therapist

  Experts in pediatric medicine discuss the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in caring for medically complex children. Listeners will gain insights into how healthcare professionals work together to provide comprehensive support for both the child and their family.

  Transcript Episode 2
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  Episode 3: Communication and Empathy

  Guest: Dr. Teresa Trogdon Anderson - Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, WVU School of Medicine and Emerita Professor of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico School of Medicine

  Effective communication is crucial in healthcare. This episode explores the challenges of conveying complex medical information to parents and offers strategies for fostering empathetic and transparent conversations.

  Transcript Episode 3
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  Episode 4: Building Resilience and Mental Well-Being in Caregivers and Healthcare Providers

  Guest: Dr. Lia Gaggino - primary care physician, American Academy of Pediatrics Board of Directors, Pediatric Meltdown podcast host

  Healthcare expert Dr. Lia Gaggino discusses the emotional challenges faced by both parents of medically complex children and those who provide care for them. With a focus on mental health, resilience and self-care, this episode offers strategies while also addressing the toll it can take on healthcare providers. Topics include avoiding burnout, combating compassion fatigue and building emotional resilience, ensuring that both parents and providers can maintain their well-being while delivering compassionate care.

  Transcript Episode 4
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  Episode 5: Navigating Transitions

  Guest: Nikki Montgomery - Director of Strategy and Communications for Family Voices

  Transitions, whether from hospital to home or from one stage of care to another, can be daunting for families. This episode explores how healthcare professionals can guide and ease these transitions for medically complex children and their parents.

  Transcript Episode 5
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  Episode 6: Cultural Competence and Diversity

  Guest: Dr. Gabrina Dixon - board-certified Pediatric Hospital Medicine (PHM) attending at Children's National Hospital and Associate Professor of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine

  Understanding the unique needs of diverse families is essential. Cultural competency experts discuss ways to provide inclusive and sensitive care to families from various backgrounds.

  Opinions shared by the guests of the show are their own and do not represent the official views of their employers.

  Transcript Episode 6
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  Episode 7: Navigating the Long Haul: Supporting Families Through Extended Medical Stays

  Guest: Shannon Parish - Neonatal ICU Lead Clinical Nurse, Johns Hopkins Hospital

  In this episode of "Compassionate Care," we dive into the impact of long-term hospitalizations on families and how healthcare providers can offer crucial support. We explore how extended medical stays affect healthcare providers themselves and discover ways to maintain empathy and professionalism while managing the emotional demands of caring for patients with prolonged needs. This episode also discusses effective strategies for preparing families for the next phase of care. It also includes actionable tips for medical teams to enhance their resilience and maintain a compassionate approach throughout extended patient care.

  Transcript Episode 7
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  Episode 8: Building Parent-Caregiver Partnerships

  Guest: Dr. Annique Hogan - complex care general pediatrician, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.

  Experts explore how to create collaborative relationships between parents and healthcare professionals, recognizing that parents are integral members of the care team.

  Transcript Episode 8